England capped off their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign in spectacular fashion with a thrilling 6–4 victory over France in the third-place play-off, securing their best World Cup finish since lifting the trophy in 1966.
The bronze medal match, often regarded as a fixture neither side wants to play, turned into one of the greatest encounters in World Cup history, producing a record 10 goals and relentless attacking football.
Bukayo Saka was the star of the evening, scoring a memorable hat-trick to become only the second England men’s player to net three goals in a World Cup knockout match, joining Sir Geoff Hurst, who achieved the feat in the 1966 final. Saka also became only the second player to score a World Cup knockout hat-trick against France, after Brazil legend Pelé in 1958.
England raced into a commanding four-goal lead before half-time through Declan Rice, Ezri Konsa and Saka’s first two goals, leaving France stunned. It marked the first time since 1930 that France had trailed by four goals at the break.
The French responded brilliantly after the restart. Kylian Mbappé scored twice, with Bradley Barcola adding another, as Didier Deschamps’ side threatened a remarkable comeback. Mbappé’s brace also saw him move to 22 career World Cup goals, making him the tournament’s all-time leading scorer.
With France pushing for an equaliser, Saka calmly converted a late penalty after Djed Spence was fouled inside the area to complete his hat-trick and restore England’s cushion.
Ousmane Dembélé struck deep into stoppage time to make it 5–4, but Jude Bellingham produced a dazzling solo run before slotting home in the 98th minute to seal England’s historic victory.
The result earned England their highest men’s World Cup finish in 60 years and their best-ever World Cup performance outside home soil. It also marked the first time France had conceded six goals in a World Cup match.
Bellingham concluded an outstanding tournament with seven goals, the highest tally by an England men’s player in a single World Cup.
Former England defender Stephen Warnock praised the spectacle, describing it as “some of the best free-flowing football we have seen all tournament,” while Danny Murphy added that the contest “had everything” and was among the finest matches of the competition.
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